The July 2026 grid-compensation change matters
BC Hydro closed its former net-metering rate to new customers and moved new participants to Self-Generation Rate Schedule 2289 from 1 July 2026. Under the current structure, eligible excess generation is converted into a monetary bill credit at 10 cents per kWh each billing cycle rather than being banked as kWh under the old rate.
System design still starts with connection approval
BC Hydro says self-generation is open to residential and commercial customers. Eligible systems connect to the distribution system and are generally limited to an aggregated nameplate rating of no more than 100kW, or a 100kW-per-phase net-injection limit where applicable. The utility also states that rebate-eligible solar and battery projects require pre-approval before equipment purchase.
Vancouver has a local permit layer
The City of Vancouver has a dedicated residential solar-PV permit process and states that an electrical permit is required. Site-specific building/development review may also apply. A quote should therefore separate equipment, structural/roof scope, electrical work, City permits and BC Hydro connection work.
Buyer checklist
- Confirm the exact BC Hydro rate and rebate rules before signing.
- Do not buy equipment before required rebate pre-approval.
- Require exact panel, inverter and battery models in the quote.
- Confirm City of Vancouver permit responsibilities and electrical permit scope.
- Model self-consumption and export value separately rather than assuming old net-metering economics.
Use Melnti’s quote comparison guide and tracked project brief to keep proposals comparable.